Critical Writings

Articles and Reviews: MUSIC

Raising Sand by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss (Rounder/Universal)

Two folks who also know a thing or two about carrying a song are Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, and as unlikely as the pairing of the ex-Led Zeppelin orgasm simulator with the bluegrass queen more used to fronting her band Union Station may seem on paper, it works beautifully on their collaboration Raising Sand, under the expertly tasteful production of T-Bone Burnett. Choice of material clearly helps, with songs by immortals like Gene Clark, Townes Van Zandt and Tom Waits featured, which, when coupled with the evident empathy forged between the two leads, makes for a most satisfying if bizarre venture.

First published in Magill, December/January 2007/8